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Abstract:

A method for percutaneously implanting a medical catheter, such as a
gastrostomy feeding tube, and a medical catheter implanting assembly. In
one embodiment, the implanting assembly includes a gastrostomy feeding
tube, an inner sheath and an outer sheath. The feeding tube has an
internal bolster integrally formed at its distal end. The inner sheath
includes a bore extending distally from its proximal end to a point prior
to its distal end and a transverse window communicating with the bore.
The outer sheath includes a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal
bore. The outer sheath is inserted over the inner sheath, and the feeding
tube is inserted into the inner sheath, with the internal bolster being
folded and tucked into the window and retained therein by the outer
sheath. Movement of the outer sheath relative to the inner sheath to
expose the window allows the bolster to decompress.

Claims:

1. A medical catheter implanting assembly comprising: (a) an outer
sheath, said outer sheath having a proximal end and a distal end; (b) an
inner sheath, said inner sheath having a proximal end and a distal end,
said inner sheath being slidably mounted in said outer sheath; and (c) a
medical catheter, said medical catheter having an internal bolster
disposed at a distal end thereof, said medical catheter being inserted
into said inner sheath, with said internal bolster being retained in a
compressed state by said outer sheath; (d) whereby sliding movement of
said outer sheath relative to said inner sheath release said internal
bolster from said compressed state.

2. The medical catheter implanting assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein
said medical catheter is a gastrostomy feeding tube.

4. The medical catheter implanting assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein
said internal bolster is positioned distally relative to said distal end
of said inner sheath.

5. The medical catheter implanting assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein
said inner sheath includes a window spaced proximally from its distal end
and wherein said internal bolster is positioned in said window.

6. The medical catheter implanting assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein
said distal end of said inner sheath is conical.

7. The medical catheter implanting assembly as claimed in claim 1 further
comprising a wire extending distally from said distal end of said inner
sheath.

8. The medical catheter implanting assembly as claimed in claim 6 further
comprising a wire extending distally from said distal end of said inner
sheath.

9. A medical catheter implanting assembly comprising: (a) a dilator, said
dilator having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end being
shaped to define a cavity; (b) a stiffening sheath, said stiffening
sheath having a proximal end and a distal end; and (c) a medical
catheter, said medical catheter having an internal bolster disposed at a
distal end thereof, said medical catheter being inserted into said
stiffening sheath, with said internal bolster being retained in a
compressed state in said cavity.

10. The medical catheter implanting assembly as claimed in claim 9
wherein said dilator is shaped to include a plurality of flexible fingers
circumscribing said cavity, said medical catheter implanting assembly
further comprising a length of shrink tubing and means for tearing said
shrink tubing, said length of shrink tubing having a proximal end and a
distal end, said distal end of said shrink tubing surrounding said
flexible fingers and said proximal end of said shrink tubing surrounding
said stiffening sheath.

11. The medical catheter implanting assembly as claimed in claim 10
wherein said tearing means comprises a pull cord integrally formed on
said shrink tubing.

12. The medical catheter implanting assembly as claimed in claim 9
further comprising a cap, said cap being inserted into the proximal end
of said medical catheter and radially expanding said medical catheter
against said stiffening sheath.

13. The medical catheter implanting assembly as claimed in claim 9
wherein said medical catheter is a gastrostomy feeding tube.

15. The medical catheter implanting assembly as claimed in claim 9
further comprising a wire extending distally from said distal end of said
dilator.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to medical catheters and
relates more particularly to a method for percutaneously implanting a
medical catheter, such as a gastrostomy feeding tube, and to a medical
catheter implanting assembly.

[0002] Certain patients are unable to take food and/or medications
transorally due to an inability to swallow. Such an inability to swallow
may be due to a variety of reasons, such as esophageal cancer,
neurological impairment and the like. Although the intravenous
administration of food and/or medications to such patients may be a
viable short-term approach, it is not well-suited for the long-term.
Accordingly, the most common approach to the long-term feeding of such
patients involves gastrostomy, i.e., the creation of a feeding tract or
stoma between the stomach and the upper abdominal wall. Feeding is then
typically performed by administering food through a catheter or feeding
tube that has been inserted into the feeding tract, with the distal end
of the feeding tube extending into the stomach and being retained therein
by an internal anchor or bolster and the proximal end of the feeding tube
extending through the abdominal wall.

[0003] Although gastrostomies were first performed surgically, most
gastrostomies are now performed using percutaneous endoscopy and result
in the implantation of a catheter/bolster assembly (also commonly
referred to as a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) device) in the
patient. Two of the more common techniques for implanting a PEG device in
a patient are "the push method" (also known as "the Sacks-Vine method")
and "the pull method" (also known as "the Gauderer-Ponsky method").
Information regarding the foregoing two methods may be found in the
following patents, all of which are incorporated herein by reference:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,391,159, inventors Hirsch et al., which issued Feb. 21,
1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,627, inventors Clegg et al., which issued Dec.
1, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,310, inventor Grobe, which issued May 12,
1992; U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,306, inventors Quinn et al., which issued Feb.
13, 1990; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,334, inventor Nawaz, which issued Aug.
29, 1989.

[0004] According to the push method, the distal end of an endoscope is
intubated (i.e., inserted) into a patient's mouth and is passed through
the esophagus into the stomach. After distension of the stomach by
inflation, an entry site on the abdomen is identified using the endoscope
for transillumination, and an incision is made by passing the distal end
of a needle coupled to an outer cannula (e.g., an angiocath needle or a
Seldinger needle) through the abdominal and stomach walls and into the
stomach. The proximal end of the outer cannula remains outside of the
body and acts as a stop to prevent the proximal end of the needle from
falling into the stomach. A snare is inserted into the stomach via the
endoscope and is looped over the distal end of the needle. The snare is
then "walked" up the needle until the outer cannula is snared. The snared
cannula is then pulled proximally to tack the cannula to the stomach and,
in turn, to secure the stomach wall to the abdominal wall. The needle is
then removed while keeping the cannula in place. A first end of a
flexible guidewire is then passed through the cannula and into the
stomach where it is grasped by the snare, the second end of the guidewire
remaining external to the patient. The endoscope and the snare are then
withdrawn from the mouth of the patient to deliver the first end of the
guidewire.

[0005] A push-type catheter implanting assembly is then inserted over the
first end of the guidewire and is pushed over the guidewire towards its
second end. The push-type catheter implanting assembly typically
comprises a gastrostomy feeding tube, the gastrostomy feeding tube having
a dome-shaped internal bolster disposed at its trailing end and having a
tubular dilator serially connected to its leading end. The gastrostomy
feeding tube and the internal bolster are typically made of a soft,
biocompatible material, like silicone rubber, and may form a unitary
structure. The dilator, which tapers in outer diameter from its trailing
end to its leading end, is typically made of polyethylene or a like
material which is stiffer than silicone but which still possesses some
flexibility. Advancement of the push-type catheter implanting assembly
over the guidewire continues until the front end of the dilator reaches
the cannula and pushes the cannula out through the abdominal wall of the
patient. The front end of the dilator is then pulled through the
abdominal wall until the front end of the gastrostomy feeding tube
emerges from the abdomen and, thereafter, the internal bolster at the
rear end of the gastrostomy feeding tube engages the stomach wall. The
guidewire is then removed from the patient. The clinician then
re-intubates the patient with the endoscope and uses an optical channel
in the endoscope to inspect whether the internal bolster is properly
seated in the stomach.

[0006] If the internal bolster is properly placed against the stomach
wall, a proximal portion of the implanted gastrostomy feeding tube is
then typically cut and removed from the implanted tube to reduce the
externally-extending portion of the tube to a desired length. (The
removal of the proximal portion of the gastrostomy feeding tube also
results in the removal of the dilator, which is connected thereto.) An
external bolster is typically secured to the remaining implanted portion
of the feeding tube to engage the abdomen in such a way as to prevent
longitudinal movement of the feeding tube within the stoma tract.
Additionally, a "Y-port" adapter is typically attached to the proximal
end of the implanted feeding tube, the Y-port adapter being adapted to
receive a pair of connector tips through which food and/or medications
may be dispensed. In addition, a detachable locking clip is typically
secured to the implanted feeding tube at a point between the external
bolster and the Y-port adapter to prevent gastric fluids from escaping
through the proximal end of the feeding tube when the feeding tube is not
in use.

[0007] The pull method is similar in some respects to the above-described
push method, the pull method differing from the push method in that,
after the cannula is snared and the needle is removed therefrom, a first
end of a suture is inserted through the cannula and into the stomach
where it is grasped by the snare, the second end of the suture remaining
external to the patient. The endoscope and the snare are then withdrawn
from the mouth of the patient to deliver the first end of the suture. The
first end of the suture is then coupled to the leading end of a pull-type
catheter implanting assembly, the pull-type catheter implanting assembly
typically comprising a gastrostomy feeding tube having an internal
bolster at its trailing end and a plastic fitting at its leading end. The
plastic fitting typically has a barbed rear portion mounted within the
leading end of the feeding tube and a conical front portion that serves
as a dilator, said conical front portion tapering in diameter from the
leading end of the feeding tube to a front tip. A wire loop is fixed to
the front tip of the plastic fitting, the first end of the suture being
tied to the wire loop.

[0008] Using the second end of the suture, the pull-type catheter
implanting assembly is then pulled retrograde through the patient until
the gastrostomy feeding tube emerges from the abdomen of the patient and
the internal bolster engages the stomach wall of the patient. Next, as is
the case in the push method, the clinician then re-intubates the patient
with the endoscope in order to visually inspect the placement of the
internal bolster within the stomach. If the bolster is properly seated in
the stomach, the implanted gastrostomy feeding tube is then typically cut
to a desired length, an external bolster is typically secured to the cut
implanted tube, a "Y-port" adapter is typically attached to the proximal
end of the implanted feeding tube, and a detachable locking clip is
typically secured to the implanted feeding tube at a point between the
external bolster and the Y-port adapter.

[0009] Although the push and pull methods described above have achieved
widespread use, particularly in the U.S., some people have expressed
concern that the placement of a PEG device by the push method or the pull
method may lead to infection of the stoma due to the fact that the PEG
device is delivered to the stoma only after first being drawn through the
patient's mouth, esophagus and stomach, all of which are unsterile
environments populated by bacteria. Moreover, the push and pull methods
described above require that an endoscope be introduced into the patient
twice--first to deliver the snared guidewire or suture through the
patient's mouth to the clinician and then again to permit a visual
inspection of the placement of the internal bolster in the patient's
stomach after the PEG device has been implanted. Unfortunately, the
second intubation of the endoscope is often very difficult and/or painful
because of damage caused during the first placement or due to the
patient's anatomy or disease state.

[0010] In view of the above-described consequences associated with
endoscopic placement of gastrostomy tubes, there has been some effort in
devising a direct percutaneous approach to the placement of gastrostomy
tubes.

[0011] Typically, such percutaneous approaches involve (i) inserting an
endoscope into the patient and, through transillumination, identifying a
desired insertion site; (ii) using sutures or T-fasteners, placed one at
a time, to secure the abdominal wall to the stomach wall in a plurality
of locations surrounding the future insertion site; (iii) using a scalpel
to make an incision at the insertion site; (iv) using a series of
dilators to enlarge the insertion site opening until said opening is
large enough to pass therethrough the internal bolster at the distal end
of a gastrostomy tube; and (v) sliding an external bolster over the
proximal end of the gastrostomy tube down to skin level over the
T-fastener wires or sutures.

[0012] Another type of percutaneous approach to the placement of a
gastrostomy tube is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,264, inventors
Durgin et al., which issued Feb. 29, 2000, and which is incorporated
herein by reference. In this patent, there is disclosed a method and
apparatus for the percutaneous placement of gastro-intestinal tubes, the
apparatus comprising a longitudinal penetration device; a hollow, tapered
dilator; and a sheath having a central lumen extending therethrough. The
penetration device is placed within the sheath, pushed distally to
penetrate the target organ, and then removed from the sheath. After the
penetration device is removed, the dilator is inserted into the central
lumen of the sheath until it penetrates the target organ, so that the
sheath and the penetration are radially dilated as the dilator passes
through the sheath. The sheath is then pulled in the proximal direction
to counter-balance the distal insertion force. A gastro-intestinal tube
is inserted into the hollow center, and pushed distally until it exits
the distal end of the dilator. The dilator and sheath are then removed
from the target organ.

[0013] In addition, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,722, inventors Snow et al.,
which issued Jun. 11, 2002, and which is incorporated herein by
reference, there is disclosed an apparatus and method for percutaneously
placing gastrostomy tubes. The method enables percutaneous placement
through an existing penetration, as well as placement where no
penetration exists. The apparatus comprises a gastrostomy tube having an
internal bolster which can be manipulated such that it has a reduced
lateral extent; an axially-extending hollow sleeve which can surround the
bolster to hold it in a position of reduced lateral extent; and a
rip-cord capable of tearing the sheath. In a preferred embodiment, the
internal bolster is folded to have a smaller diameter, the sleeve is
placed over the bolster and shrunk down to a smaller diameter. The
rip-cord runs distally along the outside of the tube, between the sleeve
and the internal bolster, wraps over the distal end of the sleeve and
runs proximally along the length of the tube. The replacement tube can
then be pushed through a stoma. Once in place, the rip cord is pulled to
tear away the sleeve, thereby allowing the bolster to revert to its
original lateral extent.

[0014] Other documents of interest include U.S. Published Patent
Application No. US-2004-0059293-A1, which was published Mar. 25, 2004,
and which is incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel medical
catheter implanting assembly.

[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a medical
catheter implanting assembly as described above that overcomes at least
some of the problems described above in connection with existing medical
catheter implanting assemblies, particularly medical catheter implanting
assemblies of the type that are introduced into a patient's body
endoscopically.

[0017] Therefore, according to one aspect of the invention, there is
provided a medical catheter implanting assembly comprising (a) an outer
sheath, said outer sheath having a proximal end and a distal end; (b) an
inner sheath, said inner sheath having a proximal end and a distal end,
said inner sheath being slidably mounted in said outer sheath; and (c) a
medical catheter, said medical catheter having an internal bolster
disposed at a distal end thereof, said medical catheter being inserted
into said inner sheath, with said internal bolster being retained in a
compressed state by said outer sheath; (d) whereby sliding movement of
said outer sheath relative to said inner sheath release said internal
bolster from said compressed state.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a
medical catheter implanting assembly comprising (a) a dilator, said
dilator having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end being
shaped to define a cavity; (b) a stiffening sheath, said stiffening
sheath having a proximal end and a distal end; and (c) a medical
catheter, said medical catheter having an internal bolster disposed at a
distal end thereof, said medical catheter being inserted into said
stiffening sheath, with said internal bolster being retained in a
compressed state in said cavity.

[0019] The present invention is also directed to a novel method for
percutaneously implanting a medical catheter.

[0020] For purposes of the present specification and claims, various
relational terms like "top," "bottom," "proximal," "distal," "upper,"
"lower," "front," and "rear" are used to describe the present invention
when said invention is positioned in or viewed from a given orientation.
It is to be understood that, by altering the orientation of the
invention, certain relational terms may need to be adjusted accordingly.

[0021] Additional objects, as well as features and advantages, of the
present invention will be set forth in part in the description which
follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or may be
learned by practice of the invention. In the description, reference is
made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof and in which
is shown by way of illustration various embodiments for practicing the
invention. The embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to
be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural
changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a
limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by
the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are hereby incorporated into and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments
of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention. In the drawings wherein like reference
numerals represent like parts:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a medical
catheter implanting assembly constructed according to the teachings of
the present invention, the medical catheter implanting assembly being
shown in its retracted position;

[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the medical catheter implanting
assembly shown in FIG. 1, the medical catheter implanting, assembly being
shown in its advanced or deployed position;

[0031] FIGS. 9(a) through 9(i) are side views, partly in section,
illustrating the operation of the medical catheter implanting assembly of
FIG. 6;

[0032] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a medical
catheter implanting assembly constructed according to the teachings of
the present invention, the fasteners of the needle assemblies not being
shown;

[0034] FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) are proximal and distal views, respectively,
of the bolster carrier shown in FIG. 10;

[0035] FIG. 13 is a proximal view of the external bolster shown in FIG.
10;

[0036] FIG. 14 is a side view of one of the needle sheaths shown in FIG.
10;

[0037] FIG. 15 is a perspective view, broken away in part, of the needle
assembly shown in FIG. 10, the plunger of the needle assembly being shown
in a retracted position; and

[0038] FIG. 16 is a perspective view, broken away in part, of the feeding
tube assembly shown in FIG. 10, said feeding tube assembly being shown
with the internal bolster in a compressed state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, there are shown various view of
a first embodiment of a medical catheter implanting assembly constructed
according to the teachings of the present invention, said medical
catheter implanting assembly being represented generally by reference
numeral 11.

[0041] Tube 13, which may be a conventional gastrostomy feeding tube, is
an elongated, tubular member preferably made of a soft, biocompatible,
silicone rubber. Tube 13 has a distal end 25 and a proximal end 27. A
series of ruler markings (not shown) are printed on tube 13 and extend
several inches from distal end 25 in the direction of proximal end 27 to
facilitate the cutting of tube 13 to a desired length (after tube 13 has
been implanted in a patient).

[0042] Internal bolster 14, which is also made of a soft, biocompatible,
silicone rubber, is an enlarged, dome-shaped member securely disposed at
distal end 25 of tube 13 for use in anchoring distal end 25 of tube 13
within a patient. In the present embodiment, bolster 14 forms a unitary
structure with tube 13. As can readily be appreciated, bolster 14 may be
modified to come in a variety of different shapes and sizes and, if
desired, may be replaced with a balloon-type bolster or other bolster
that is transformable between an expanded anchoring state and a collapsed
state.

[0043] Inner sheath 15, which is an elongated, unitary member, preferably
made of a substantially rigid, biocompatible plastic (e.g., a high
durometer polyethylene or polypropylene), includes a conical distal end
31 and a straight proximal end 33. A short length of wire 34, the purpose
of which will be discussed below, is insert-molded into distal end 31 and
extends distally therefrom. A bore 35 extends longitudinally from
proximal end 33 in the direction of distal end 31, bore 35 terminating a
short distance before distal end 31. For reasons to become apparent
below, bore 35 is appropriately dimensioned to slidably receive
gastrostomy feeding tube 13. A transverse window 37 having a scalloped
shape is provided in inner sheath 15, window 37 communicating with bore
35 at its distal end.

[0044] Inner sheath handle 17, which is an elongated, tubular, unitary
member, preferably made of a rigid plastic, includes a distal end 41 and
a proximal end 43. Distal end 41 of handle 17 is inserted over proximal
end 33 of inner sheath 15 and is securely fixed thereto. Proximal end 43
of handle 17 is shaped to include an annular embossment 45 which
facilitates the gripping of handle 17 by a user and, as will become
apparent below, acts as a stop to limit distal movement of inner sheath
15, embossment 45 being shaped to include three larger diameter rings
45-1 through 45-3 separated by two smaller diameter rings 45-4 and 45-5.

[0045] Outer sheath 19, which is an elongated, tubular, unitary member,
preferably made of a substantially rigid, lubricious, biocompatible
material (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene), includes a beveled distal end
51 and a straight proximal end 53. A longitudinal bore 55 extends from
distal end 51 to proximal end 53, bore 55 being appropriately dimensioned
to slidably receive inner sheath 17.

[0046] Outer sheath handle 21, which is an elongated, tubular, unitary
member, preferably made of a rigid plastic, includes a distal end 61 and
a proximal end 63. Distal end 61 of handle 21 is inserted over proximal
end 53 of outer sheath 19 and is securely fixed thereto. A plurality of
annular embossments 65-1, 65-2 and 66 are formed on the outer surface of
handle 21 to facilitate the gripping of handle 21 by a user.

[0047] To assemble assembly 11, handle 17 is secured to inner sheath 15,
and handle 21 is secured to outer sheath 19. Then, wire 34 and distal end
31 of inner sheath 15 are inserted in a distal direction through handle
21 and outer sheath 19. Next, proximal end 27 of tube 13 is inserted
through window 37 and into bore 35 of inner sheath 15. The remainder of
tube 13 is then fed through window 37 and into bore 35 until proximal end
27 of tube 13 emerges from handle 17 and bolster 14 is positioned just
outside of window 37. Bolster 14 is then compressed and tucked tightly
into window 37 as tube 13 is tensioned proximally and distal end 51 of
outer sheath 19 is moved distally over window 37, sheath 19 serving to
retain bolster 14 in window 37.

[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 5(a) through 5(h), the manner in which
assembly 11 may be used to percutaneously implant tube 13 in a patient is
illustrated. First, an endoscope E is inserted into the stomach of the
patient and is used to transilluminate an incision site. An incision is
then made by passing the distal end of a needle N coupled to a peelable
cannula C through the abdominal wall A and the stomach wall S and into
the stomach (see FIG. 5(a)). Then, a snare L is inserted into the stomach
via endoscope E and is looped over the distal end of needle N (see FIG.
5(b)). Snare L is then "walked" up needle N until peelable cannula C is
snared. The snared cannula C is then pulled to tack cannula C to
abdominal wall A and, in turn, to tack abdominal wall A to stomach wall
S. Needle N is then removed while keeping peelable cannula C in place
(see FIG. 5(c)). One to four T-fasteners F are then used to provide
further securing of abdominal wall A to stomach wall S (see FIG. 5(d)).

[0049] Next, the distal end of assembly 11 is inserted through peelable
cannula C and into the stomach, and snare L is moved from peelable
cannula C to wire 34 (see FIG. 5(e)). Peelable cannula C is then peeled
in half and removed laterally in two pieces from the incision site, and
assembly 11 is inserted further into the stomach (both by pushing
assembly 11 from outside the patient and by using snare L to pull
assembly 11 from inside the patient) until distal end 51 of outer sheath
19 can be seen by endoscope E (see FIG. 5(f)). Then, using handle 21 to
keep outer sheath 19 stationary, handle 17 is used to move inner sheath
15 distally relative to outer sheath 19 until window 37 is advanced
beyond distal end 51 of outer sheath 19. With window 37 no longer covered
by outer sheath 19, bolster 14 immediately springs back to its
decompressed shape, which is larger than window 37; as a result, bolster
14 exits window 37 (see FIG. 5(g)). Snare L is then removed from wire 34
and retracted into endoscope E, and inner sheath 15 and outer sheath 19
are removed from the patient, allowing bolster 14 to engage the stomach
wall S (see FIG. 5(h)). Endoscope E is then used to image the placement
of bolster 14. Assuming that bolster 14 is placed properly, endoscope E
is then removed from the patient.

[0050] As can be seen, one benefit to using assembly 11 is that the
gastrostomy feeding tube is not fed through the mouth, esophagus and
stomach of the patient and, therefore, does not suffer from the possible
complications resulting from microbial contamination of the feeding tube.
Another benefit is that the endoscope does not need to be intubated into
the patient twice, but rather, may be inserted into the patient and then
remain in the patient throughout the implantation and inspection
processes.

[0051] Although assembly 11 has been described herein in the context of
gastrostomy feeding, assembly 11 is not limited to gastrostomy feeding
and may be used for other types of feeding, as well as for drainage.

[0052] Also, it should be understood that, although bolster 14 has been
described herein as a self-expandable, mushroom-shaped or dome-shaped
bolster, bolster 14 could be replaced with a conventional balloon-type
bolster or a bolster having a malecot structure.

[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 6 through 8, there are shown various views
of a second embodiment of a medical catheter implanting assembly
constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, said
medical catheter implanting assembly being represented generally by
reference numeral 111.

[0054] Assembly 111 includes a gastrostomy feeding tube 113, an internal
bolster 114, a dilator 115, a stiffening sheath 117, a length of shrink
tubing 119 and a cap 121.

[0056] Dilator 115, which is an elongated, generally conical, unitary
member, preferably made of a substantially rigid, biocompatible plastic
(e.g., a high durometer polyethylene or polypropylene), includes a distal
end 131 and a proximal end 133. A short length of wire 134, the purpose
of which will be discussed below, is insert-molded into distal end 131
and extends distally therefrom. A small cavity 135 is centrally provided
in proximal end 133 and extends a short distance distally, cavity 135
being surrounded by a plurality of flexible fingers 137. As will be
described further below, bolster 114, in its compressed state, is
received within cavity 135.

[0057] Stiffening sheath 117, which is an elongated, tubular, unitary
member, preferably made of a rigid, biocompatible plastic, has a distal
end 141, a proximal end 143 and a longitudinal bore 145. Sheath 117,
which is inserted over tube 113 to provide column strength to tube 113,
has a length such that bolster 114 extends just beyond distal end 141 of
sheath 117 and such that a proximal end 127 of tube 113 extends just
beyond proximal end 143 of sheath 117. As will be discussed further
below, the diameter of bore 145 is slightly greater than the relaxed
outer diameter of tube 113. Sheath 117 has an outer diameter
approximating that of dilator 115 at its proximal end 133, and distal end
141 of sheath 117 is positioned on top of fingers 137 of dilator 115.

[0058] Shrink tubing 119, which is an elongated, tubular, unitary member,
preferably made of a biocompatible, heat-shrinkable material, includes a
distal end 151 and a proximal end 153. Distal end 151 of shrink tubing
119 is inserted over and radially compresses fingers 137, thereby
retaining bolster 114 in its compressed state within cavity 135. Proximal
end 153 of shrink tubing 119 is inserted over stiffening sheath 117 at an
intermediate point along its length. A distally extending tab or pull
cord 155 is integrally formed on shrink tubing 119 at distal end 151,
cord 155 being provided to enable one to tear shrink tubing 119 for
reasons to be described below. Perforations 157 extending proximally from
pull cord 155 are additionally provided on shrink tubing 119 to
facilitate the tearing of shrink tubing 119 using pull chord 155.
Preferably, such perforations 157 do not continue proximally all the way
to proximal end 153 since it is desirable for shrink tubing 119 to remain
tightly fixed to sheath 117 in order that tubing 119 may be removed from
the patient with sheath 117. A marking 159 is preferably
circumferentially provided on the outer surface of tubing 119, marking
159 denoting the location of internal bolster 114 within dilator 115.

[0059] Cap 121, which is a unitary member, preferably made of a rigid,
biocompatible plastic, is shaped to include a circular top wall 161, a
circular side wall 163 and a centrally disposed circular plug 165. Plug
165 is appropriately dimensioned so that the insertion of plug 165 into
proximal end 127 of tube 113 forces proximal end 127 of tube 113 radially
outwardly against stiffening sheath 117, thereby securing proximal end
127 of tube 113 to sheath 117. Such a coupling of proximal end 127 of
tube 113 to sheath 117 provides a desirable safety feature as it deters
proximal end 127 of tube 113 from being drawn accidentally into the
stomach of a patient if assembly 111 somehow malfunctions during the
launching of tube 113 and dilator 115 does not separate from bolster 114.
As can readily be appreciated, cap 121 also serves to prevent matter from
entering tube 113 prior to the implanting of tube 113 in a patient.

[0060] To assemble assembly 111, tube 113 is inserted into sheath 117 so
that bolster 114 extends distally beyond sheath 117 and so that proximal
end 127 of tube remains proximal to sheath 117. The proximal end 127 of
tube 113 is then secured to sheath 117 using cap 121. Bolster 114 is then
compressed and inserted into cavity 125 of dilator 115. Then, while
fingers 127 are radially compressed against bolster 114, shrink tubing
119 is inserted over and applied to distal end 141 of sheath 117 and
proximal end 143 of dilator 115.

[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 9(a) through 9(i), the manner in which
assembly 111 may be used to percutaneously implant tube 113 in a patient
is illustrated. First, an endoscope E is inserted into the stomach of the
patient and is used to transilluminate an incision site. An incision is
then made by passing the distal end of a needle N coupled to a peelable
cannula C through the abdominal wall A and the stomach wall S and into
the stomach (see FIG. 9(a)). Then, a snare L is inserted into the stomach
via endoscope E and is looped over the distal end of needle N (see FIG.
9(b)). Snare L is then "walked" up needle N until peelable cannula C is
snared. The snared cannula C is then pulled to tack cannula C to
abdominal wall A and, in turn, to tack abdominal wall A to stomach wall
S. Needle N is then removed while keeping peelable cannula C in place
(see FIG. 9(c)). One to four T-fasteners F are then used to provide
further securing of abdominal wall A to stomach wall S (see FIG. 9(d)).

[0062] Next, wire 134 is inserted through peelable cannula C and into the
stomach, and snare L is moved from peelable cannula C to wire 134 (see
FIG. 9(e)). Peelable cannula C is then peeled in half and removed
laterally in two pieces from the incision site, and assembly 111 is
inserted further into the stomach (both by pushing assembly 111 from
outside the patient and by using snare L to pull assembly 111 from inside
the patient) until marking 159 can be seen by endoscope E (see FIG.
9(f)). Then, while snare L is used to keep dilator 115 stationary, pull
cord 155, the free end of which is positioned outside of the patient, is
pulled proximally to rip the distal portion of shrink tubing 119 (the
proximal portion of shrink tubing 119 preferably remaining secured to
sheath 117). With s tubing 119 thus ripped and no longer radially
compressing flexible fingers 137, fingers 137 cannot keep bolster 114 in
its compressed state. Consequently, bolster 114 decompresses and begins
to emerge from cavity 135 of dilator 115 (see FIG. 9(g)). Next, while
keeping tube 113 stationary, for example, by placing one's thumb on cap
121 and the remaining fingers of one's hand on sheath 117, snare L is
used to completely remove dilator 115 from bolster 114, thereby allowing
bolster 114 to engage the stomach wall S (see FIG. 9(h)). Next, cap 121
is removed from proximal end 127 of tube 113 to decouple tube 113 from
sheath 117, and sheath 117 and tubing 119 are then slid proximally off
tube 113. Endoscope E is then used to image the placement of bolster 114
(see FIG. 9(i)). Assuming that bolster 114 is placed properly, endoscope
E and the snared dilator 115 are then removed from the patient.

[0063] It should be understood that, although dilator 115 of the present
embodiment is shown having a certain length, dilator 115 could be
modified to have a comparatively smaller length. In fact, one alternative
dilator is a solid, short member that does not include a
finger-surrounded cavity into which the bolster fits. Instead, the
dilator proximally terminates at a flat, solid end with a protruding rod,
the bolster being compressed centrally around this protruding rod. The
shrink tubing keeps the bolster compressed around this protruding rod
since it covers the distal end of the stiffening sheath, the compressed
bolster and the proximal end of the dilator. The bolster is then released
by pulling the pull cord in the shrink tubing as described above.

[0064] Another alternative dilator differs from dilator 115 in that
fingers 137 are replaced with a solid wall. The cavity in which the
bolster is received may be treated with a lubricious coating which allows
the bolster to exit the cavity with little friction upon launch.

[0065] In addition, it should be understood that dilator 115 could be made
of a biodegradable material and/or that wire 134 could be replaced with a
loop of the type used in a pull-type catheter implanting assembly. Where
dilator 115 is made of a biodegradable material, the launching of the
tube and its internal bolster could be actuated by biodegradation of
dilator 115.

[0066] Also, it should be noted that, instead of having an integrally
formed pull cord, one could have a pull cord comprising a string
conventionally positioned for such a purpose.

[0067] Moreover, instead of retaining bolster 114 in the manner shown in
assembly 111, one could enclose bolster 114 in a chamber/tube that, upon
the generation of pressure, splits at the seams, thereby exposing the
bolster.

[0068] Furthermore, instead of using a feeding tube having a
self-expandable, mushroom-shaped or dome-shaped bolster like bolster 114,
one could use a feeding tube having an inflatable balloon-type bolster.
The use of such a bolster would obviate the need to positively compress
the bolster to a smaller size during delivery of the bolster through the
stoma. Alternatively, one could use an internal bolster having a malecot
structure.

[0069] Lastly, although assembly 111 has been described herein in the
context of gastrostomy feeding, assembly 111 is not limited to
gastrostomy feeding and may be used for other types of feeding, as well
as for drainage.

[0070] As discussed above in connection with the use of assemblies 11 and
111, it is highly desirable to fasten the abdominal wail to the stomach
wall prior to the insertion of assembly 11 or assembly 111 into the
patient. Such fastening deters movement of the stomach wall away from the
abdominal wall during insertion of the distal end of the assembly into
the patient, said movement being undesirable as it may possibly result in
the insertion holes in the abdominal and stomach walls coming out of
alignment with one another and the assembly not being inserted into the
stomach. If this occurs, either one must attempt the difficult task of
locating the existing insertion hole in the stomach wall and inserting
the assembly therethrough or one must create a second insertion hole in
the stomach wall.

[0071] In addition, as explained above in connection with existing
percutaneous gastrostomy placement techniques that involve the use of a
scalpel to make an incision and then a series of increasingly large
dilators to make an opening through which an internal bolster may be
inserted, such fasteners are also typically used to fasten the abdominal
and stomach walls to one another prior to the use of a scalpel to make
the incision. Examples of such fasteners are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,341,823 and 4,705,040, both of which are incorporated herein by
reference. Typically, such fasteners are independently placed at
locations surrounding the future incision site.

[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, there are shown perspective and
partially exploded perspective views of a third embodiment of a medical
catheter implanting assembly constructed according to the teachings of
the present invention, said medical catheter implanting assembly being
represented generally by reference numeral 211.

[0073] Assembly 211 includes a gun-shaped casing 213, casing 213
preferably being made of a rigid metal or plastic and comprising a handle
portion 215 and a barrel portion 217. Barrel portion 217, which is shaped
to include a proximal portion 219 of comparatively greater outer diameter
and a distal portion 221 of comparatively smaller outer diameter,
includes a longitudinal bore 223 extending entirely through proximal
portion 219 and distal portion 221.

[0074] Assembly 211 additionally comprises a bolster carrier 231 (also
shown separately in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b)). Bolster carrier 231 is a
generally triangular, unitary member, preferably made of a rigid metal or
plastic, and having an annular embossment 233 extending proximally a
short distance from its proximal surface 235. Embossment 233 is inserted
into the distal end of bore 223 and is secured therewithin. For reasons
to become apparent below, embossment 233 is hollow and has an open distal
end 237.

[0075] Assembly 211 also comprises an external bolster 241 (also shown
separately in FIG. 13), external bolster 241 being a generally
triangular, unitary member, preferably made of silicone or a similarly
flexible, biocompatible material. Bolster 241 has an outer perimeter
dimensioned to approximate the outer perimeter of bolster carrier 231.
Bolster 241 is shaped to include an annular embossment 243 extending
proximally a short distance from its proximal surface 245, embossment 243
being received in the hollow walls of embossment 233 of carrier bolster
231 through its open distal end 237. Bolster 241 is also shaped to
include a plurality of transverse openings 246-1 through 246-3, the
purpose of which will be described below.

[0076] Assembly 211 further comprises a plurality of identical needle
sheaths 251-1, 251-2 and 251-3 (needle sheath 251-1 also being shown
separately in FIG. 14). Needle sheaths 251-1 through 251-3 are slotted,
tubular members having proximal ends 253-1 through 253-3, respectively,
and distal ends 255-1 through 255-3, respectively. Proximal ends 253-1
through 253-3 are fixedly mounted within sleeves 257-1 through 257-3
(sleeve 257-3 not being visible as shown), respectively, formed on
proximal portion 219 of barrel portion 217. Distal ends 255-1 through
255-3 are fixedly mounted within slotted openings 259-1 through 259-3
located near the vertices of bolster carrier 231.

[0077] Assembly 211 further comprises a plurality of identical needle
assemblies 261-1 through 261-3. Needle assemblies 261-1 through 261-3,
which may be of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,705,040 and
5,341,823 or commercially available as Brown/Mueller T-Fastener/Needle
Devices (Boston Scientific Corporation, Watertown, Mass.), are slidably
mounted in sheaths 251-1 through 251-3, respectively. (Although not
shown, the distal ends of assemblies 261-1 through 261-3 may be covered
with removable protective sheaths or the like to prevent accidental
needle sticks.) Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 15, assembly 261-1 can be
seen to include a needle 263 having a longitudinal bore 264 and a slot
265, slot 265 extending a short distance from the distal end of needle
263 and in communication With bore 264. Assembly 261-1 also includes a
plunger 267, plunger 267 being slidably mounted within bore 264. Assembly
261-1 additionally includes a short length of tubing 269 slidably
disposed within bore 265 and adapted to be ejected from the distal end of
bore 265 by distal movement of plunger 267 relative to needle 263.
Assembly 261-1 further includes a suture 271 coupled at one end to the
approximate midpoint of tubing 269.

[0078] Referring back to FIGS. 10 and 11, assembly 211 further includes a
trocar 281, trocar 281 being made of a rigid metal and having a sharp
distal end 283 and an enlarged proximal end 285. Trocar 281 is
appropriately dimensioned to be slidably and removably mounted in bore
223 of casing 213, with distal end 283 of trocar 281 being positionable
past bolster carrier 231 and external bolster 241 to form an incision in
a patient.

[0079] Assembly 211 further includes a feeding tube assembly 291 (which is
also shown separately in FIG. 16), assembly 291 comprising a feeding tube
293 having an internal bolster 294 at its distal end, an inner sheath 295
and an outer sheath 296. Feeding tube 293 and internal bolster 294 may be
identical to feeding tube 13 and bolster 14, respectively, of assembly
11. Inner sheath 295 is a unitary, tubular member having a proximal end
297 and a distal end 299. Proximal end 297 of inner sheath 295 is
inserted into and secured within a tubular handle 301. Tube 293 is
inserted into inner sheath 295, with proximal end 293-1 of tube 293
extending proximally beyond handle 301 and with bolster 294, in a
compressed state, positioned just distally of distal end 299 of inner
sheath 295 and engageable therewith. For reasons to become apparent
below, inner sheath 295 is appropriately dimensioned to permit tube 293
to slide relative thereto. Outer sheath 296 is a unitary, tubular member
having a proximal end 305 and a distal end 307. Proximal end 305 of outer
sheath 296 is inserted into and secured within a tubular handle 309. For
reasons to become apparent below, outer sheath 296 is appropriately
dimensioned to receive bolster 294 in a compressed state and to permit
inner sheath 295 to slide relative to outer sheath 296. Bolster 294,
distal end 299 of inner sheath 295 and distal end 293-2 of tube 293 are
all positioned within outer sheath 296. To launch tube 293 and bolster
294 using assembly 291, one slides inner sheath 295 distally relative to
outer sheath 296 until inner sheath 295 advances bolster 294 beyond
distal end 307 of outer sheath 296, thereby allowing bolster 294 to
decompress to its relaxed state. Inner sheath 295 and outer sheath 296
are then withdrawn proximally relative to bolster 294.

[0080] To use assembly 211 to fasten together the abdominal and stomach
walls of a patient, one positions casing 213 (with bore 223 preferably
temporarily unoccupied by either trocar 281 or assembly 291) so that
external bolster 241 is placed against the abdominal wall of a patient
and centered around a desired incision site. One then sufficiently
advances needle assemblies 261-1 through 261-3 in sheaths 251-1 through
251-3, respectively, so that needles 263-1 through 263-3, respectively,
perforate the abdominal and stomach walls of the patient. Next, plungers
267 are moved distally to eject tubes 269-1 through 269-3 from needles
263-1 through 263-3, respectively. Needles 263-1 through 263-3 are then
withdrawn proximally from the patient and may additionally be proximally
withdrawn from sheaths 251-1 through 251-3 to avoid accidental needle
sticks. Next, sutures 271-1 through 271-3 are pulled taut and then
crimped, knotted, or the like to tack together the abdominal and stomach
walls. Because sutures 271-1 through 271-3 extend through openings 246-1
through 246-3, respectively of bolster 241, bolster 241 becomes coupled
in this manner to the patient.

[0081] It should be noted that, although needle assemblies 261-1 through
261-3 have been described above as being operated simultaneously, they
are preferably advanced serially to minimize the possibility of needles
263-1 through 263-3 pushing away the stomach.

[0082] As can readily be appreciated, one benefit to using assembly 211 in
the above-described manner to fasten together the abdominal and stomach
walls is that the spacing and relative positions of the fasteners may be
controlled according to a predetermined design.

[0083] Once the abdominal and stomach walls have been fastened to one
another in the above manner, one may use trocar 281 to form incisions in
the abdominal and stomach walls, respectively, of the patient. This may
be done by inserting distal end 283 of trocar 281 into bore 223 and
advancing trocar 281 distally until proximal end 285 of trocar 281 abuts
casing 213, at which time distal end 283 will have extended distally
beyond bolster 241 and entered the patient.

[0084] Trocar 281 may then be removed from bore 223, and assembly 291 may
be inserted into bore 223. Assembly 291 may then be used to launch tube
293 and bolster 294 in the manner discussed above.

[0085] It should be noted that, instead of using a feeding tube having a
self-expandable, mushroom-shaped or dome-shaped bolster like bolster 294,
one could use a feeding tube having an inflatable balloon-type bolster or
any other bolster that is transformable between an expanded anchoring
state and a collapsed state.

[0086] It should also be noted that, although assembly 211 has been
described herein in the context of gastrostomy feeding, assembly 211 is
not limited to gastrostomy feeding and may be used for other types of
feeding, as well as for drainage.

[0087] The embodiments of the present invention described above are
intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall be
able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without
departing front the spirit of the present invention. For example, it is
to be understood that other types of anchoring mechanisms, other than
those disclosed, can be used and that other types of sutures and threads
can also be used. All such variations and modifications are intended to
be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended
claims.